Red Phantom Tetra

The Red Phantom Tetra is the colorful counterpart to the Black Phantom Tetra, featuring a deep red body with a distinctive black spot behind the gills. Males display beautiful long fins with white tips that look spectacular when the school moves together. These peaceful fish are excellent for soft water community tanks and should be kept in schools of 8 or more to see their best colors and behaviors.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Red Phantom Tetras prefer soft water and planted environments.

Essential Setup:

• 20+ gallons
• Soft, acidic water preferred
• Plants and driftwood
• Dimmed lighting
• Dark substrate

Water Quality

• Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
• pH: 5.5-7.0 (soft water preferred)
• Water Hardness: Soft (1-8 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <15 ppm

Feeding

Omnivores accepting most foods:

• Quality flakes
• Frozen foods
• Live foods enhance color

Behavior & Compatibility

Very peaceful and somewhat shy:

• School size: 8+ minimum
• Best with: Other peaceful, colorful fish
• Display: Males spar harmlessly

Sexing:

• Males: Redder, longer fins with white tips
• Females: Rounder, less colorful

Color Enhancement

• Soft water brings out best red
• Dark substrate enhances colors
• Dimmed lighting preferred
• Quality food maintains color

Breeding

Similar to Black Phantom:

• Very soft, acidic water
• Spawning mops or plants
• Remove adults after eggs laid
• Feed fry infusoria